Two charged after city centre weapons incident

Two men have been charged after a disturbance involving about 30 people with weapons on Friday night led to increased police stop-and-search powers being enforced in a city centre.

Officers were called to Kirkgate in Wakefield following reports of an ongoing disturbance at about 19:00 GMT on Friday 14 March, West Yorkshire Police said.

Mirko Bakir, 32, from Wakefield, and Harda Azeez, 31, from Royston, Barnsley, appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Monday, both charged with section 18 wounding with intent.

Both men were released on bail and are due to appear at Leeds Crown Court on 14 April.

Police said Azeez had also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Two other men, aged 21 and 23, were also arrested in connection with the disturbance and released on bail.

Officers said one man was taken to hospital following the incident with serious but non life-threatening injuries.

Increased stop-and-search powers were introduced for 48 hours in Wakefield city centre following the disturbance "to detect and deter the carrying of offensive weapons in the area and to prevent serious violence".

The authorisation, which came into effect at 23:00 GMT on Friday, has since been rescinded, a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson added.

The force has appealed for anyone with information about the incident to get in touch. Information can also be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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